Save
These barbecue bacon cheeseburger smash tacos pack all the irresistible flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a fun and easy-to-make taco. Crispy bacon, juicy beef, melted cheese, and tangy pickles come together quickly in these tasty little bites that make weeknight dinners feel special or perfect crowd-pleasers for casual entertaining.
I first made these when craving burgers but wanting something different, and now everyone asks for them whenever taco night rolls around.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef: One pound for a juicy patty without excess grease
- Caramelized onions or onion relish: Half a cup to add sweetness and depth
- Finely chopped pickles: Half a cup for crunch and tang
- Grated cheddar cheese: One cup to melt beautifully into the beef
- Mustard: One tablespoon to bring a sharp, tangy kick
- Crushed garlic cloves: Three to enhance savoriness
- Pickle juice: One tablespoon to intensify pickle flavor
- Salt: Half a teaspoon to balance the seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Fish sauce: One teaspoon to add umami richness
- Thin streaky bacon: Six slices cut in half for quick crispiness
- Mini tortillas: Twelve for the perfect handheld size
- Olive oil: For frying
- Additional cheddar cheese: One cup for topping
- Romaine lettuce: One shredded heart for freshness
- Pickle slices: Six chopped for garnish
- Barbecue sauce: Half a cup for smoky sweetness
- Garlic aioli or burger sauce: Half a cup for creamy richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics and Mix the Topping:
- Combine the ground beef, caramelized onions or relish, chopped pickles, cheddar cheese, mustard, crushed garlic, pickle juice, salt, fish sauce, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix everything together until you have a cohesive topping with evenly distributed seasoning. If you want, cook a small sample in the pan to test and adjust flavor.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the cheeseburger topping onto each mini tortilla. Use the back of your spoon to spread the topping thinly and evenly across the tortilla, reaching all the way to the edges. Press two halved strips of bacon firmly on top of the beef on each tortilla.
- Cook and Smash the Tacos:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick pan over high heat until very hot. Place one taco topping side down on the pan. Press down firmly on the back of the tortilla with a spatula or fish slice to smash the beef into the bread and help it adhere. Cook for four minutes or until the bottom is crisp and browned. Flip the taco and sprinkle roughly one tablespoon of additional grated cheese on top. Cover the pan and cook for 30 seconds more to melt the cheese. Remove and repeat with the remaining tacos.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Drizzle barbecue sauce over each cooked taco, then pile on shredded lettuce, chopped pickles, and dollops of garlic aioli or burger sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy.
Save
My favorite part is the smoky bacon that crisps up perfectly on top. One family night, my kids declared these tacos officially better than regular burgers and kept coming back for seconds.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within two days for best texture. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat instead of the microwave to keep the bacon crispy and the taco from getting soggy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cheddar for American cheese if you want a creamier melt or use a smoky cheese like smoked gouda for extra flavor. If you can’t find mini tortillas, small flour or corn tortillas will work just as well.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos go great with a simple side of coleslaw, corn on the cob, or even classic crispy fries. For a fun party platter, serve with extra pickles, barbecue sauce, and aioli on the side for dipping.
Cultural Context
This recipe is a playful blend of American comfort food flavors with a Mexican-style taco presentation, perfect for “fakeaway” nights when you want restaurant-style food at home without the fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of beef works best for the topping?
Lean ground beef is ideal as it prevents excess grease during cooking, ensuring a well-textured and flavorful topping.
- → How do I ensure the topping sticks to the tortilla?
Make sure the pan is very hot before adding the taco, and press down firmly with a spatula to smash the beef into the tortilla, helping it adhere fully.
- → Can I substitute the bacon for another ingredient?
While streaky or thin American bacon crisps quickly and adds smoky crunch, thinly sliced pancetta or turkey bacon can be used as alternatives.
- → What cheese is best for melting inside these tacos?
Cheddar or American cheese works great as they melt smoothly, adding creamy richness that complements the savory topping.
- → How can I add more texture to the tacos?
Adding shredded romaine lettuce and chopped pickles on top creates a fresh crunch contrast to the warm, melted filling.